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Cornwall-Lebanon officials applaud police and students after threat

Superintendent Philip Domencic credited the South Lebanon police and district administrators and students for their efforts

By Lisa Chenoweth

For The Lebanon Daily News

Updated:
03/10/2014 10:56:57 PM EDT

Cornwall-Lebanon School District Superintendent Philip Domencic addresses the public Monday on the recent shooting threat at Cedar Crest High School. (Earl Brightbill — Lebanon Daily News)

During Monday's school board meeting, Cornwall-Lebanon resident Dave Williams ask the board and administrators if any students were screened Friday before entering Cedar Crest High School. Williams has a child attending the school. (Earl Brightbill — Lebanon Daily News)

Cornwall-Lebanon School District Superintendent Philip Domencic applauded the efforts of South Lebanon Township police, administrators and students in preventing a potential weapons threat at Cedar Crest High School last week.

Late in the school day Thursday, Domencic said during Monday's school board meeting, the administration received information of a potential threat, which was quickly investigated with local law enforcement to maintain a safe and secure situation.

"We're very proud of their (local police) quick response, the students coming forward to share the information, as well as the cooperation with local law enforcement," he said.

Acknowledging that there were a number of untrue rumors circulating via social media, he added, "One of the things that we must contend with is the fact that, with the information we release, we have to be cautious that what we are releasing is not going to incite more concern, and we need to make sure we abide by the laws of the commonwealth with regards to an ongoing police investigation and that we follow due process for student disciplinary procedures or any criminal proceedings."

Additionally, Domencic said, there were a few false alarms as well as a medical emergency going on that day.

"These were unrelated events, but the confluence of these things happening all at once, we realize, also created concern," he said.

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Board President Harry Mathis, speaking on behalf of the directors, commended the administration, superintendent and staff for the "level-headed and professional approach taken" and also thanked the students who came forward.

Four audience members addressed the board at the conclusion of Monday's work session.

"I think it's both timely and prudent to rethink the topic of arming our district's SRO (school resource officer) so that we may preserve the safety of our students and staff," said Union Canal Elementary School teacher Lori Miller.

Arming the SRO, she added, could provide the crucial time that could save lives.

Responding to a question from resident Dave Williams, who has a child at the high school, on whether students were screened Friday before entering the building, Domencic said no searches were conducted Friday because the individuals involved in the threat had already been identified.

Depending upon circumstances, he added, the administration may consider such measures in the future.

Resident Tina Tobias asked the board why the middle school students were not informed.

"We did release what we could," Domencic responded. "There was absolutely no threat or any issue at the middle school, nor was there on the campus at that time because the issue had been resolved. Quite frankly, if we thought it was not a safe situation, we wouldn't have had school."

Responding to concerns from high school teacher assistant Jailene Rodriguez about safety and security measures, Domencic said the district will continue with staff training, drills and updating building entrance procedures.

Two 14-year-old freshmen at the high school were charged Monday with criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault, criminal conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and terroristic threats, according to a release from the South Lebanon Township police.

In a related matter, the board will vote next Monday on the adoption of two safety and security polices — a revision to the existing policy for "School Police and Use of Force and Weapons" and a newly proposed "School Police Equipment" policy.

The revision to the use of force and weapons policy would permit the school resource officer at the high school to carry a firearm during school hours. The district has for some time employed armed personnel at some of the large programs, such as sporting events.

Director Joel Zug asked if the district would purchase the weapon and how it would be stored during nonschool hours.

Domencic confirmed the administration would purchase the weapon and would review and enact appropriate security guidelines.

Additionally, business manager Kurt Phillips announced that construction at the high school of a sallie port, which allows for restricted access at building entrances, is just about completed and will be ready within the next two weeks.

He also said the district will be moving ahead with sallie port construction at each of the four elementary schools — Union Canal, Ebenezer, South Lebanon and Cornwall. He expects the work to be concluded by the end of the summer. The middle school already has a sallie port.